Toad Archives – Louis P Creative https://www.louispcreative.co.uk/project-tag/toad/ Art & Photography Wed, 18 Mar 2026 17:52:29 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Toad Patrol https://www.louispcreative.co.uk/project/toad-patrol/ Thu, 24 Apr 2025 10:25:14 +0000 https://www.louispcreative.co.uk/?post_type=dt_portfolio&p=5782 Case study supporting Ringwood & Pulner Toad Patrol

The post Toad Patrol appeared first on Louis P Creative.

]]>

Toad Patrol: A Photographic Case Study

Documenting the annual migration of amphibians across Highwood Lane and Gorley Road, and the dedicated efforts to protect them.

Facebook
X
WhatsApp
Email

Introduction

Every year, as winter gives way to spring, thousands of amphibians cross roads to reach their breeding ponds. I joined the Ringwood & Poulner Toad Patrol not just as a volunteer, but as a photographer hoping to document these amphibians making their way back to the lakes, what I came to realise was the fragility between loss and survival.

This case study is a personal account of what I have experienced and captured during my time as a patroller.

I would like to say that I am not an amphibian expert but this is my take on a situation as a photographer and volunteer.

AMPHIBIANS ARE FRIENDS

Through this case study, I hope to spark your interest and encourage empathy for the wildlife and nature on our doorstep.

The Ringwood & Poulner route

Location:

Highwood Lane and Gorley Road, Ringwood

Road Type:

40mph speed limit with no pavements

Patrol Method:

Vehicle patrol under FrogLife guidance

Hazards of patrol

Amphibians face a lot of hazards during migration season — and so do the patrollers. I imagine frogs, newts and toads move at night to avoid predators, but they can’t exactly avoid cars. As humans, we now commute straight through these ancient migration routes. I figure if we have the ability to create such brilliant infrastructure we have the capacity to care for nature.

Some of the hazards we deal with on the route include:

  • Fast drivers
  • Low light conditions
  • Lack of signage
  • Low visibility during wet weather
  • Lack of pavement on patrol route forcing patrol to take place in vehicle

Toads like to move when it is raining, so this increases the risk of collision with drivers who will inevitably have poor visibility. Newts also look like sticks, so for the untrained eye it is near on impossible to know what to look for, this poses a logistical nightmare for newts, some of which are protected species (Great Crested Newt – Triturus cristatus) and cross on this route, this is a strong point for potential change along the route. 

My take

For me personally, I don’t find patrolling the route particularly hazardous, and I’m not too phased by drivers who are in a rush to get past. That said, I have pulled over to let vehicles pass me and instantly watched toads be hit, this is particularly upsetting. There have also been moments — like getting out to move a toad and having cars try to squeeze past my stationary vehicle while I’m still in the road. People also beep at you just for driving slowly.

The ups and downs

Toad Patrol brings with it both uplifting moments and real challenges. Through this case study, I want to share both—the joy and connection I’ve found, and the harder truths I’ve come across along the way.

The ups

  • Seeing multiple amphibians reach the pond in one shift.
  • Connecting with likeminded individuals.
  • Being around nature.

The downs

  • Pulling over to let a car pass and watching it hit a toad.
  • Having to put a toad down which was still alive but had no chance of survival.
  • Seeing spawn strewn over the road from a squished female.

Amphibians up close

A photographic gallery of rescued amphibians.

Gear I use:

These photographs were taken with my now-retired Canon 6D MkII, my current Canon RP and a Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Autofocus Macro Lens.

How I work:

My technique is to put the camera in manual mode, the lens in manual focus, capture a number of images and focus stack in post process.

CONTENT WARNING

The cost of crossing

Warning: Contains sensitive images of damaged and deceased amphibians. These images document the impact of speeding vehicles during migration season. Click below to reveal the image.

Female, deceased, with visible spawn squished from her body. Pic 1

Female, deceased, with visible spawn squished from her body. Pic 2

A common sight is a toad squished with its tongue or innards hanging out of its mouth.

Common toad, still alive but heavily damaged and unable to walk. My guess is it was hit one side as the right arm and leg were immobile. 

Common newt, deceased, struck and instantly killed. Pic 1

Common newt, deceased, struck and instantly killed. Pic 2

The people who patrol

There’s more to Toad Patrol than just the migration — it’s also about the people on patrol. The patrollers I’ve met have all shared something in common: a quiet dedication to protecting wildlife. I’m genuinely grateful to those who’ve welcomed me along for the journey — your kindness and patience helped shape this case study.

What can be done?

There are signs at either end of the road — small, yellow ones. They’re easy to miss, especially in the dark. Potentially there could be proper signage, a seasonal speed limit, and more awareness that migration season isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a biological imperative for local wildlife.

Prominent signage

Better signage would increase awareness

Seasonal speed limits

Seasonal speed limits would reduce the damage caused to wildlife along the migration routes.

FINAL THOUGHTS

This isn’t about blaming people. It’s about asking drivers to share the road with wildlife for a short window of the year. It’s about compassion, awareness, and giving creatures who’ve lived in these woods for millennia a fair shot at completing their migration route and maintaining population numbers.

The post Toad Patrol appeared first on Louis P Creative.

]]> 5782